Students from China and Japan Wrap-up Exchange Visit

July 29, 2016

Japanese veterinary technology student Ai Umino (right) observes a dental procedure in the Small Animal Hospital.

Two weeks have flown by for two veterinary delegations from universities in China and Japan that have been visiting the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine since Saturday, July 16. As part of exchange arrangements made through the PVM Office of International Programs, a total of seven students along with two faculty members have been observing various clinical rotations and participating in a variety of events and activities. The Rakuno Gakuen University delegation from Ebetsu, Japan consists of two veterinary technician students and Associate Professor Takanori Kooriyama. The group from Sichuan Agricultural University in Chengdu City in China's Sichuan Province is comprised of five veterinary students and the college's Program Leader Renyong Jia.

The exchange arrangement gives the visiting students the opportunity to spend time in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, gaining first-hand exposure to veterinary clinical education in the U.S. Their itinerary also has included a variety of fun activities to introduce them to Indiana and local attractions and culture, including a summer picnic at Munger Park.

The visit by the two international delegations officially concludes this afternoon (Friday, July 29) with a farewell ceremony and lunch, underway from noon until 2:00 p.m., in Lynn 1192 (Alumni Faculty Lounge East/West). "PVM is continually looking to strengthen international partnerships and this experience will go a long way in building capacity for years to come," said PVM International Programs Director Will Smith II. "We would like to thank all the PVM faculty and staff that made our students feel welcome." Please stop by the reception to recognize the students and faculty as they conclude their time at Purdue.

Just as these international delegations wrap-up their visit, a delegation of Purdue veterinary students is set to travel beginning tomorrow (Saturday, July 30) for a two-week, faculty-led program focused on the different aspects of Chinese veterinary medicine as part of the exchange program with Sichuan Agricultural University. Their visit to Sichuan Agricultural University will include clinical rotations in the university's veterinary hospital.

Additionally, preparations are in place for Purdue Veterinary Medicine to host the annual visit by veterinary students from Kitasato University in Japan next month. As part of a longstanding exchange program between PVM and Kitasato University, nine Kitasato veterinary students will be at Lynn Hall from August 13 through August 27. Accompanying the students will be a Kitasato University faculty member, Dr. Ryota Terashima.